Seating device for athletic events

ABSTRACT

An athletic sideline seating device having storage capability and removable and replaceable signage is disclosed. A seating apparatus defining a storage area is provided, on which one or more sign elements can be coupled. The storage area may be accessed in a number of ways, for example, by hinged seat or front panel, or by an access door in one or more sides. The device is portable and may include handles, moving elements and lightweight materials for that purpose. Additionally, the invention may include a trainer&#39;s table and/or an equipment table that are storable within the seating apparatus and easily coupled to the outside of the seating apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating apparatus useful in connection with athletic events, and particularly to a seating apparatus that includes a storage area and/or a sign element on one or more surfaces of the seating apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known that many indoor and outdoor sports utilize seating for athletes, officials, or others to the side of a field, court or other playing area. When used by athletes, commonly such seating is used by individuals not actually playing the game at the given moment. These players may be substitutes, players who have recently come out of or come to a break in the game, or players who are injured and require medical attention. Similarly, such bench seating can be used for officials, as at a basketball game, where several officials sit on a sideline to keep track of the overall progress of the game. For ease of description, such seating is referred to herein as a “bench,” “sideline seating” or “athletic seating.”

[0003] Basic bench-type athletic seating is well known from a variety of sporting events, including football, tennis, basketball, track and field, and others. In general, prior art sideline seating focuses primarily or exclusively on providing a rigidly connected backrest, seat and supports. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,948,246 and 4,134,615 to Jenkins show athletic seating connected to a heating device. The heating device heats air which is blown under the seating area of the bench, thereby warming the bench and immediately surrounding environment. These devices are accordingly specifically for outdoor use. Currently available sideline seating continues to have the general bench-style form such as that shown in the above-mentioned Jenkins patents.

[0004] In addition to sideline seating for athletes and/or others, most athletic events require a substantial amount of equipment to be present on or near the playing area. Such equipment can include items used in the playing of the game, such as balls, pads, or officiating equipment such as the sideline or down-and-distance markers used in a football game. Such equipment can also include items used in support of the game or players, such as medical equipment or supplies, beverage dispensers or cups, communications equipment, and the like. These items must be stored when games are not underway or when not needed during play. However, they need to be available around or during a game so that they can be quickly and easily accessed and used as needed.

[0005] Further, it has become more common for athletic teams and programs to display team names or logos, sponsorships, advertising messages or other information in connection with their sporting events. For example, it is now common to see sponsors' names in or on stadiums, advertising on stand-alone signs or electronic message boards or painted logos in various places around an athletic venue. As a general matter, athletic programs and organizations can realize substantial value in displaying their own or others' names or messages.

[0006] However, separate devices are used for each of these seating, storage and signage functions. For example, a football team may need a bench for the players, one or more kits or containers of sporting or other equipment, and other devices or systems for message display. Consequently, to participate in many sports a school or other organization must have the resources to purchase, maintain and store these several different apparatuses. Further, the separateness of these devices requires substantial coordination in moving, storing and using them. Accordingly, there is a need for a seating device that not only provides seating for athletes, officials and/or others, but also provides for equipment storage and/or placement of signage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a combination including a seating apparatus having space for storage, and a sign element coupled to the seating apparatus. The sign element is preferably coupled to a surface of the seating apparatus so as to be visible to persons sitting in view of that surface of the apparatus, and may form an angle with the vertical. In embodiments in which the sign element is on a rear-facing surface of the apparatus, the angle with the vertical may be about 12 degrees. The surface(s) to which the sign element can be coupled include attachment elements such as hooks or channel elements, enabling the sign to be held, for example by placing over the hooks or by sliding into one or more channel elements. Casters, wheels, skids, or the like may also be included, as well as handles or grips, in order to better facilitate movement of the invention.

[0008] In another embodiment, a training table is provided that is preferably storable within the seating apparatus. The training table includes a collapsible stand or leg, and attaches to the seating apparatus, preferably on one side. In yet another embodiment, the invention may include an equipment table that is storable within the seating apparatus. The equipment table is configured to accommodate sporting, repair, beverage, or other equipment, and may also have a collapsible stand or leg. The equipment table is adapted to attach to the seating apparatus, preferably on one side.

[0009] The storage area within the seating apparatus is accessible via one or more panels of the seating apparatus. For example, one or more sections of the seat of the seating apparatus may be hinged, so that it can be lifted for access into the storage area. As a further example, the front panel of the seating apparatus may be hinged, so that when rotated about the hinge the storage area may be accessed. As yet a further example, the seating apparatus may include a hinged side panel or a door within a side panel that can be opened to provide access to the storage area. Access through the side panels is particularly preferred for an embodiment including one or both of the training table and equipment table, which can be easily stored in and removed from the seating apparatus through such side panel.

[0010] Embodiments of the invention can be portable so as to accommodate use in several indoor or outdoor locations, or can be fixed in a single location. Other features of the present invention will be evident from the specification and drawings below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

[0014]FIG. 3a is a side view of an embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the invention including a training table attached to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the invention including an equipment table attached to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a partial front view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0023] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention that includes seating apparatus 20 and sign elements 22. As described further herein, sign elements 22 are removably coupled to seating apparatus 20 so that sign elements 22 can be easily seen. One or more sign elements 22 can be coupled to seating apparatus 20 at any given time.

[0024] Seating apparatus 20, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a seat portion 24, a back rest surface 26, a rear facing surface 28, a top surface 29, a bottom surface 30, a front panel 32, and one or more side panels 34. In general, seat 24, back rest 26, rear surface 28, bottom 30, front panel 32, and side panels 34 form an enclosure, which defines a storage area 36. These elements are preferably made of a relatively lightweight but sturdy material, such as aluminum. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that other materials such as plastics, wood, recycled materials, or other sturdy materials can also be used. Seat portion 24, in a particular embodiment, includes a base member 38 and one or more slat elements 40 attached to base member 38. Slat elements 40 are preferably elongated and attached to the top of base member 38. Slat elements 40 are also preferably rounded for the comfort of the user. Base member 38 is preferably of the same material as the other parts of seating apparatus 20, while slat elements 40 may be made of a material that is relatively light even with substantial thickness, such as certain plastic or plastic/wood composite materials. One example of such a plastic/wood composite is manufactured by Crane Plastics Company and sold under the trademark TimberTech®. Alternatively, slat elements 40 can be made of aluminum or other material used in manufacturing seating apparatus 20.

[0025] Storage area 36 is accessible via one or more parts of seating apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment a hinge 42 is connected to at least a part of seat portion 24 so that part of seat portion 24 may be lifted for access to storage area 36. In FIG. 3, a forward part of seat portion 24 is hinged so that it can pivot up and toward back rest 26. Seat portion 24 may be divided into individually movable subportions, shown in FIG. 3, so that one part of storage area 36 can be accessed without moving the entirety of seat portion 24. Alternatively, seat portion 24 could be hinged in front, so that it pivots up and away from back rest 26, or on the side so as to pivot substantially parallel to back rest 26. A sliding relation between seat portion 24 and the rest of seating apparatus 20 is also contemplated. A latch or lock 43 (shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 4) may be provided in connection with seat portion 24 (or other movable access portion) to secure seat portion 24 and prevent unauthorized access to storage area 36. Storage area 36 can also be ventilated by providing openings in one or more of the surfaces adjoining storage area 36, such as bottom surface 30, or by providing gaps between segments of bottom surface 30, or between one or more sets of surfaces adjoining storage area 36.

[0026] In addition to or instead of a hinged seat portion 24, other portions of seating apparatus 20 may permit access to storage area 36. For example, front panel 32 may have a hinge 42 a at its top (see FIG. 3a) or bottom so that it can open forward. As another example, rear-facing surface 28 could be hinged at or near bottom surface 30, top surface 29, or between them, so that rear-facing surface 28 could be moved in an upward, downward or sideways direction to access storage area 36. FIG. 3 also illustrates an access through side panel 34 that can be provided in addition to or instead of a hinged seat portion 24. In that example, side panel 34 includes an access door 44. Access door 44 is preferably hinged on one side and includes a latch or lock 46. Alternatively, a foldable, slideable or retractable access door 44 could be used.

[0027] The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 further includes handles 48 that enable gripping and moving of seating apparatus 20. Handles 48 are preferably recessed in, for example, side panels 34. Additionally, seating apparatus 20 may include support elements 50 attached to bottom surface 30. Such support elements are shown schematically in the figures, and may be standard circular or rectangular feet, rolling elements such as wheels, casters or rollers, or sliding elements such as skids, or the like.

[0028] Seating apparatus 20 is adapted to display one or more sign elements 22. It will be seen from FIG. 3 that the present invention contemplates placement of a sign element 22 adjacent rear facing surface 28 or a sign element 22 a adjacent back rest surface 26, or both. In this discussion, reference will be made to sign element 22, in the understanding that such reference relates also to sign element 22 a.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more channel elements 52 are placed at or near the top of rear surface 28 of seating apparatus 20 and at or near a bottom portion of rear surface 28. One channel element 52 on rear surface 28 could be used, for example at a lower portion of rear surface 28. Alternatively, a larger number of channel elements 52 could be used, and whether singular or plural, channel elements could be placed in any of a variety of locations, such as upper parts, lower parts, corners and/or sides of rear surface 28. Channel elements 52 may similarly be placed on back rest surface 26, e.g. at or near the top and bottom of back rest surface 26. Such channel elements may extend substantially the entire length of seating apparatus 20 (see FIG. 2), or they may extend for a shorter length along discrete portions or points of seating apparatus 20.

[0030] One particular embodiment of channel element 52, shown in FIG. 3, is a J-shaped element with the longer side attached to seating apparatus 20 and a curved portion extending outward from seating apparatus 20. Other configurations for channel elements 52 are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention, including squared elements, U- or L-shaped elements, corner elements, or channels etched or formed in the surface 26 or 28 that a portion of sign element 22 can fit into.

[0031] Sign element 22 may be a single component or an association of two or more components. One embodiment of sign element 22 is a relatively thin, substantially rectangular and planar element, e.g. a paper, plastic or other sheet. In a particular embodiment, sign element 22 is a polycarbonate panel with advertising or other sponsor copy, logos, or other written or graphic design material within or on the panel. Another embodiment of sign element 22 includes such a paper, plastic or other sheet or panel with printing on one surface and a clear protective sheet or panel placed over it. Still further embodiments of sign element 22 include a painted or otherwise decorated surface of seating apparatus 20, such as rear surface 28, a clear protective sheet for covering such decorated surface, or both. Other shapes, dimensions and materials are possible for sign element 22.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiments, sign element 22 is coupled to seating apparatus 20 via channel elements 52. One end of a sign element 22 can be fitted into one end of one or more channel elements 52 (e.g., those on back panel 28) at or near a side panel 34 of seating apparatus 20. Sign element 22 is then slid along the channel element(s) 52 until most or all of it is positioned adjacent back panel 28. Removal of sign element 22 is accomplished by sliding or pulling sign element 22 out from channel elements 52, and a different sign element 22 can then be inserted in channel elements 52 to take the place of the first sign element 22. A similar process can be used to mount and remove sign element 22 a adjacent back rest 26. Further, multiple sign elements could be used together, for example with one atop, aside, or diagonally to another, adjacent one surface of seating apparatus 20. In this way, seating apparatus 20 can be used with a variety of signage relating to different sports, different advertisers or otherwise accommodated to different situations.

[0033] The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 shows rear surface 28 and back rest 26 each forming an angle with respect to the vertical. In the case of rear surface 28, the angle α enhances visibility of sign element 22 to persons behind and/or above the seating apparatus 20, e.g. those seated in stadium seating. In the illustrated embodiments, the angle α is about 12 degrees to the vertical. Generally, the angle α could have any value from zero to 90 degrees to the vertical, although a value in the range of 6 degrees to 20 degrees to the vertical is preferred. In the case of back rest 26, a principal consideration for the value of angle β is comfort for those seated as well as visibility of sign element 22. The angle β in one particular embodiment is about 4 degrees, although other values are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a trainer's table 60 that is storable within and coupleable to seating apparatus 20. Referring generally to FIGS. 5 and 6, trainer's table 60 is a substantially rectangular and substantially planar element for use in administering preventive or therapeutic medical treatment such as taping or wrapping of joints or examination of possible injury. In one embodiment, trainer's table 60 is a backboard element preferably including a series of slots 62 near the perimeter. Slots 62 enable persons to carry trainer's table 60, or a person to whom medical attention is being administered to easily hold on to trainer's table 60. Straps or other attachments (not shown) for immobilizing an individual or holding equipment may also be used in connection with slots 62. Trainer's table 60 may be of plastic, fiberglass, or any other material that will support a person during administration of treatment.

[0035] Trainer's table 60 further includes an aperture 64 at one end to facilitate attachment to seating apparatus 20. In the embodiment of seating apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, seating apparatus 20 includes a flange 66 with a hole therethrough. A connection element such as a bolt and wing nut combination 68 secures trainer's table 60 to flange 66 of seating apparatus 20. Specifically, the end of trainer's table 60 having aperture 64 is placed atop flange 66 so that aperture 64 and the hole through flange 66 overlap. Bolt and wing nut combination 68 are then introduced, with the bolt extending through aperture 64 and the hole through flange 66, and the wing nut tightened on the threaded portion of the bolt. Alternatively, other apparatus can be used to connect trainer's table 60 and seating apparatus 20, such as complementary pieces of hook-and-loop material, a knuckle joint, pins or keys complementary to holes or flanges, or the like.

[0036] The illustrated embodiment of trainer's table 60 further includes a leg or stand 70 connected to the underside of trainer's table 60, which folds for ease of storage. As shown in FIG. 5, stand 70 is connected to the underside of trainer's table 60 at an upper portion 72 of stand 70. An elongated foot 73 provides additional stability, particularly in embodiments in which table 60 is used on a soft surface, such as mud or sand. A folding brace element 74 connects a middle portion of trainer's table 60 with a middle portion of stand 70. Folding brace element 74, in one embodiment, is well known and comprises upper and lower arms connected at a pivot point so that as stand 70 rotates around connecting portion 72 toward trainer's table 60, the two arms rotate about their common pivot point and fold next to each other. Another well-known embodiment of folding brace element 74 features upper and lower arms that telescope as stand 70 rotates around connecting portion 72. In another embodiment, multiple stands 70 could be included to support trainer's table 60. In yet a further embodiment, stands 70 could be replaced by one or more braces (not shown) that are fixed to side panel 34 (e.g. near the bottom of seating apparatus 20) and to trainer's table 60 (e.g. near the end distal from seating apparatus 20). Such braces could be connected to seating apparatus 20 and/or trainer's table 60 using bolts, pins or other devices in much the same way that seating apparatus 20 and trainer's table 60 are connected to each other. In still a further embodiment, multiple stands 70 can be incorporated, and can be either independent or connected, such as with elongated foot 73.

[0037] Trainer's table 60, as noted above, is preferably storable within seating apparatus 20. In particular, trainer's table 60 may be disconnected from flange 66, stand 70 may be disconnected from or folded into trainer's table 60, and trainer's table 60 (with or without stand 70) may be slid into storage area 36 of seating apparatus 20 via access door 44. Trainer's table 60 may also be stored within seating apparatus 20 via any appropriate opening that allows access to storage area 36, although access door 44 may be specifically sized and configured to accommodate trainer's table 60. It will be seen that trainer's table 60 can be used without coupling it to seating apparatus 20, although in many cases such coupling of trainer's table 60 and seating apparatus 20 will be preferred.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an equipment table 80 is provided. Equipment table 80 may be adapted for holding or placement of a variety of equipment, but in the illustrated embodiment is a standard beverage table for holding beverage dispensers, cups, and other related equipment. Other embodiments of equipment table 80 may be adapted for communications or other equipment. Referring generally to FIGS. 7 and 8, it will be seen that equipment table 80 attaches to seating apparatus 20 in substantially the same fashion as trainer's table 60 attaches to seating apparatus 20. In the illustrated embodiment, equipment table 80 includes a pair of apertures 82, and seating apparatus 20 includes an extending flange 84 with holes adapted to align with apertures 82. Bolt and wing nut combinations 86 are used to secure equipment table 80 to seating apparatus 20, in substantially the same fashion as described above with trainer's table 60. As with trainer's table 60, other apparatus for connecting seating apparatus 20 and equipment table 80 can be used.

[0039] Equipment table 80 further has a stand 88, elongated foot 89, and folding brace element 90 configured and operating in substantially the same way as folding brace element 74, foot 73 and stand 70 associated with trainer's table 60. Multiple stands 88 can be used, or braces directly connecting seating apparatus 20 and equipment table 80 can be used, as described above with respect to trainer's table 60.

[0040] Equipment table 80 is also preferably designed to be stored within storage area 36 of seating apparatus 20. In one embodiment, equipment table 80 can be placed in storage area 36 through access door 44, either with or instead of trainer's table 60. In an alternative embodiment, in which trainer's table 60 and equipment table 80 are both provided, there may further be provided a second access door (not shown) similar to access door 44 but in an opposite side of seating apparatus 20, so that trainer's table 60 may be placed in storage area 36 through one end of seating apparatus 20, and equipment table 80 may be placed in storage area 36 through the other end of seating apparatus 20. Alternatively, equipment table 80 could be placed within storage area 36 through any appropriate opening in seating apparatus 20. Equipment table 80 may also be used by itself, without coupling to seating apparatus 20, with the addition of another stand such as stand 70.

[0041] It will be appreciated that seating apparatus 20 can be provided with either trainer's table 60 or equipment table 80, or both, and either or both can be connected with seating apparatus 20 at a given time. Conversely, if desired seating apparatus 20 can be used without either of trainer's table 60 or equipment table 80 connected to it. Seating apparatus 20 and one or both of trainer's table 60 and equipment table 80 can be provided as a package or kit, with tables 60 and/or 80 stored within seating apparatus 20.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, individual seating apparatuses 20 (such as the above-described embodiments) may be modular so as to be able to be assembled together to form longer benches if needed. Sides or other surfaces of seating apparatuses 20 can be linked together via hooks, bolts, latches or other known connecting structures so that the sides are substantially parallel and in relatively close proximity.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 10, the present invention includes embodiments of seating apparatus 20 and tables 60, 80 (such as the above-described embodiments) configured so that a table (e.g. equipment table 80) can be fitted between two seating apparatuses 20. Each seating apparatus 20 would have a connection for table 80 substantially as described above at approximately the same height. Table 80 attaches to both seating apparatuses 20 substantially as described above. Stand 88 of table 80 may be included or may be eliminated. It will be seen that table 60 could be used in like fashion between two seating apparatuses 20.

[0044] The present invention combines several different functions. Thus, for example, a sports program using an embodiment of the present invention could store equipment in its sideline seating, which would be easily available when needed. Such an embodiment can be easily moved to other parts of a field or court, or could be moved from outdoors to indoors or vice versa for use with a variety of sports. Further, logos, sponsorships or other messages can be easily changed in association with the sideline seating, as different sports, teams, or sponsors might demand.

[0045] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination comprising: a seating apparatus, said seating apparatus having space for storage, and a sign element coupled to said seating apparatus.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said seating apparatus has a rear facing surface that forms an angle with the vertical, and said sign element is removably coupled to said seating apparatus adjacent said rear facing surface.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said angle is approximately twelve degrees.
 4. The combination of claim 2, wherein said seating apparatus has a back rest surface that forms an angle with the vertical, and said sign element is removably coupled to said back rest surface.
 5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said angle is approximately four degrees.
 6. The combination of claim 2, further comprising at least one channel element attached to said seating apparatus adapted to accommodate a part of said sign element.
 7. The combination of claim 6, further comprising a mechanism from the group consisting of casters, wheels, and skids.
 8. The combination of claim 6, further comprising at least one hand grip attached to said seating apparatus.
 9. The combination of claim 1, further comprising at least one table element coupled to said seating apparatus.
 10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said table element is adapted for one of administration of medical treatment and placement of equipment.
 11. The combination of claim 1, wherein a part of said seating apparatus is movable to provide access to said internal storage area.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus includes a seat portion, and said movable part is at least a portion of said seat portion of said seating apparatus.
 13. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus includes a front panel portion, and said movable part is at least a portion of said front panel portion of said seating apparatus.
 14. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus includes a side panel portion, and said movable part is at least a portion of said side panel portion of said seating apparatus.
 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein said movable part is a door within said side panel portion.
 16. A device, comprising: a seating apparatus having a seat portion, a back rest portion adjacent said seat portion, a rear portion, a storage area accessible from outside said seating apparatus, and at least one channel element adapted to accommodate a sign element.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising at least one table element storable within said storage area.
 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising at least one sign element removably coupled to said channel element.
 19. The device of claim 17, wherein said seating element includes at least one channel element adjacent said rear portion and at least one channel element adjacent said back rest portion, and a first sign element is removably coupled to said rear portion channel element and a second sign element is removably coupled to said back rest portion channel element.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of said at least one table element is adapted to be coupled to said seating apparatus.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein a first table element adapted for use in administering medical treatment is removably coupled to said seating apparatus, and a second table element adapted for placement of equipment is removably coupled to said seating apparatus.
 22. The device of claim 20, wherein said seating apparatus includes hand grips and is constructed of a relatively lightweight material.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein said seating apparatus includes one of the group consisting of wheels, casters, and skids. 